Every week we will highlight our favorite match in each tier. It will be based on what we think is the most hype battle, due to featuring the best players, evenly matched players, a particular story arc, or just memes. This is something purely casual and fun, so please enjoy!
We are taking volunteers who want to help us write this, especially for Ubers, DOU, UU, LC, and Monotype. Even if you are interested in writing for 1 tier only, please reach out to me on discord (rufflespro).
Week 1
Ubers - keys vs. The Strap
Both of these players are highly regarded ORAS Ubers players that have missed ORASPL 2024. TheStrap in particular had a memorable season in ORASPL 2023, ending up as the 2nd best record with 5-1. Meanwhile Keys only played 3 games of Ubers with a 2-1 record, but perhaps much more relevant, had a recent stellar performance in ORAS Undergrounds with a perfect 5-0 record.
DOU - bagel vs. eragon
Eragon is the undisputed goat of XY DOU last year, as he went 7-0. In a tier where most people prefer to play teams that have become standard, Eragon chooses to continuously innovate and churn out creative teams that have been banger after banger. On the other hand, Bagel is a consistent DOU player who went 3-1 in XY DOU in the most recent DPL. Far from someone who should be underestimated, but going up against the XY DOU goat, can he pull the upset?
OU Bo3 - Metallica126 vs. ACR1
Both of these players are SPL starters with positive records. Although neither of them have started ORAS in SPL, both of them extensively play ORAS. Both play in many forum tours such as RoAPL and ORASPL, but ACR1 particularly finished 2nd place in the 2024 ORAS Invitationals. Both known for their aggressive plays using offense, be sure to tune into this heated match!
OU - Always! vs. Destro16
Always and Destro stand out to me as on the come up ORAS stars. Both of them have wins against big names under their belt, both of them bring unique builds that are hard to predict, and both of them tend to be underrated. In the builder, I'd give the edge to Always!, but in the game, I'd give it to Destro16. This match will perhaps give us more insight on the lifelong debate of teams vs. plays.
UU - dunoks vs. col49
Dunoks holds a 2024 ORASPL record of 3-2. Col49 holds the best GSC record in UUPL, with a stellar 6-1. Although Col49 does not have any recent ORAS UU records, I was told by multiple UU mains that he might be the best in the pool after Pak. Will someone who has more experience in ORAS UU like Dunoks have the advantage? Or will it be Col49? Personally, as long as the 49 doesn't stand for age, I think they might have a better chance.
RU - xXcrossbowXx vs. LBN
Crossbow went 4-4 in SM RU in RUPL, and 4-3 in SS RU in RUGL. Meanwhile, LBN went 5-2 in SV RU in RUPL, and 5-3 in BW/SS in RUGL. Although neither of them have recent ORAS RU records or have started in the last two ORASPLs, both are great RU players that have great potential, and I will be personally interested in their journey.
NU - Ninja vs. kiru
Kiru (Roxie), an ORASPL manager and ORASPL 2024 record holder of 3-2, is going up against Ninja, who has not played in either 2023 or 2024 ORASPL. However, he holds the record of 6-2 in NUPL, in DPP. A great DPP NU player vs. a very consistent ORAS NU player, who will win?
PU - asa vs. LpZ
PU tier leader Asa vs. BW PU enthusiast and addict LpZ. Neither of them main ORAS PU, but both of them are highly regarded in the PU community. This is a battle that will surely be interesting to watch.
ZU - 5gen vs. 5Dots
There is no context needed here whatsoever. Two players that start their name with "5" playing the same tier. Rumors say that loser has to change the 5 into 4.
LC - Extinct! vs. Raichy
As someone who knows absolutely nothing about LC, I am personally looking forward to this game because I have been impressed by Extinct!, especially after an impressive 4-1 performance in ORAS Underground.
Monotype - Cielau vs. Wincon
Wincon is 5-2 in MFPL in ORAS Monotype, holding the best record. Meanwhile, Cielau was absent from playing in that tournament, but holds the best record in 2024 ORASPL, with a stunning 6-1 record. A very strong and competitive game from the very first week. Will the wincon manifest?
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